F1
Zandvoort to host final Dutch GP in 2026
© Antonin Vincent / DPPI
Since its return in 2021, Zandvoort has consistently proven to be one of the most popular Grands Prix of the season, with veritable orange armies descending on the Dutch dunes each year to cheer Max Verstappen, the local hero. The four-time world champion gave them back by winning the first three editions, before leaving his throne to Lando Norris this year. Verstappen will therefore have two more chances to win at home, in 2025 and 2026.
The circuit, which is one of the historic circuits of the championship, with a first Grand Prix organized in 1952, was popular with drivers and had been remodeled before the 2021 season, with the addition of two banked corners. But the proximity to the sea prevented major works, particularly at the level of the paddock and the pit lane, one of the smallest of the season. The decision of the Dutch promoter to take a step back after a 2026 edition which will host a Sprint round can also help FOM in the development of its calendar in future years. The alternations between European rounds, which now seem inevitable, in order to maintain a calendar not exceeding 25 rounds, will therefore not concern Zandvoort, which can also be seen as a relief on the side of Spa-Francorchamps, another high place of the F1 who could expect to have to alternate from 2026.
One last race to “go off in style”
“All parties have worked together positively to find a solution to extend the race, with many options on the table, including an alternation, and we respect the promoter’s decision to complete its incredible run in 2026. I would like to thank the entire Dutch Grand Prix team and the Municipality of Zandvoort, who have been fantastic partners for Formula 1.”, explained Stefano Domenicali, CEO of Formula 1.
"We are a private company and we have to balance the opportunities of continuing to run the event with other risks and responsibilities.", indicates Robert van Overdijk, director of the Dutch Grand Prix. “We have decided to go out on a high note by hosting two more Grands Prix in 2025 and 2026. We wanted to make this decision as our event is loved and supported by passionate fans, residents and the Formula 1 community. I would like to thank Stefano Domenicali and the entire Formula 1 team for their hard work in securing multiple contract extensions and making the Dutch Grand Prix such a success.”
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ENGELI Michel
04/12/2024 at 12:54 a.m.
Soon we will only have races taking place on camel racing circuits.
Yves-Henri RANDIER
04/12/2024 at 10:50 a.m.
Too bad for this old-style circuit redeveloped with 2 bankings! The Dutch organizers are not interested in an alternation with Spa and are perhaps anticipating the end of the Oranje hype (Verstappen is quite capable of slamming the door on F1 if MBS breaks his balls a little too much) which could make ticket sales very problematic! And to think that we are still going to have to put up with tracks like Baku, Miami, Las Vegas, Jeddah and other "Tilkeries"...